CHAPTER 23 – LEGEND OF THE DECEIVER
Night has fallen on the forests of The Feudal Era. The crows leave for the after sunset and the owls are all in the cover of darkness, seeming on guard of the world around them.
We come to a small campfire, built in a foliage glade of the forests. A pot of boiling water is placed in the center, hanging by a bridge mounted by three sticks. Surrounding the camped grounds are the new allied comrades. What started as seven, have grown to ten, all of different races and beings.
The pointed hat Sedric, now seen as one who can cast small sparking spells, a wizard of some sort, lights his pipe, using only the snap of his fingers to cast a light flame to ignite the foliage within the cup of the pipe, he inhales, feeling much more relaxed than before, putting his mind at rest for the time being.
The others around him are all in an occupation of sorts. His two companions, Gamlink the dwarf and Thandeer the elf warrior are busy sharpening their blades, all are most reflective, more than those weapons seen here in the Feudal East. InuYasha, in a form of meditation, seems impatient and feels untrusted of these, what he sees as almost suspicious troublemakers and clowns. Below him is Shippo, who has occupied him a tasty roasted lizard on a stick. Kirara, now in a smaller kitten form, is of doing the same. Sango and Miroku, have been in conversation with the three newcomers.
Beside the brightened elf, lies Eldor, being tented to his bite wounds by Kagome, who uses a cloth, with the hot water from the pot, to clean the warriors bite mark. Beforehand she had used herbs to tend the infections around it. As she dabs the wound, Eldor grips his teeth and tongue, not wanting to shout out the pain.
"I know. It hurts." Kagome speaks softly. "Just relax while I go get my sewing kit. That bite mark needs to be stitched up."
Eldor smiles at her confidence. "This is the second time you have had to fix me, my lady." He says. Then the warrior turns to the smoking wizard. "It's been far too long Sedric. What brings you to the eastern continent?"
The wizard turns to reply, looking very urgent. "Yes my old friend. We have been tracking you for 2 weeks. You're a difficult one to keep up with. But we had to find you. We have matters to discuss of great importance. Now is not the time to wonder about here slaying demons for profit. Tell me, why do you wonder this world with a company of demons and mortals?"
Suddenly, InuYasha barks out. "In case your brains not working old man, we've been slaying demons for a reason! I dunno what your business is here with us or Eldor, but I don't like it."
"Please InuYasha." Miroku interrupts. "Allow me to explain wise man. We set out from our village to find and destroy a powerful demon, who has been a calamity to pain and death in the lands. We all suffered at his wrath. InuYasha had dealt with the loss of a close friend, my wife Sango was used as a toy for his personal gain and I had been cursed with a wind tunnel that will eventually destroy me. All of which was caused by this demon. We had thought him dead when the Sacred Jewel Of Four Souls had been destroyed. But now he has returned, with a desire for vengeance. Knowing what he is capable of he will kill many innocent people and stop at nothing till he is given his revenge on all of us, which is why we must destroy him quickly. Which has me ask you if you three had possibly spotted him on your travels to find Eldor. His disguise is usually that of a Lord with black hair and form of a white baboon."
The elf and wizard turn to each other, looking concerned and knowing of the monk's words. Then, the elf speaks. "We had not encountered this demon here. However, in our lands to the west, there have been rumors of a white baboon crossing through our lands, heading towards the dark fired mountains of the north."
Eldor, Miroku and InuYasha all raise their heads. While the monk and half demon know of their words of their enemy, Eldor's look tells a different story, one of a larger fear on his mind.
"Sedric." Eldor replies in worry. "This is troublesome. The Fire Mountains of the North have been left in ashes for nearly 50 years."
"So you are from the Western Realms Eldor." Sango interrupts. "It's not surprising given all your armored attire and why Sesshomaru was unable to kill you with that one bite. Any other human would have been completely obliterated by his jaws. Your armor must be that of the Silver Dragons from the west. There skins are the strongest hides in any of the regions."
Eldor smiles. "You have keen eyes, Lady Sango."
"I have heard of the Western Realms and continents from stories told by father." The young Shippo enters. "But I've never known much other than a few legends of dragons and warriors."
"Well then, I think it's time we tell you the full tales of our lands and what I fear now lies ahead." Sedric kneels, pulling from his small bag a tiny packet. He then throws it into the camped fire.
It explodes into a wisp of fog, in what appears to be a projection of the past, present and future.
"Gather around, and let me tell you everything you need to know." Sedric speaks. Everyone focuses of the clouded wonder of the wizard's magic, ready to hear the tales ahead.
FADE THROUGH….
MONTAGE
FADE TO…
A Map Of The Western Continent, revealing mountains, plains and names of several lands. In these images viewed to us, Sedric narrates the situation…
*SEDRIC* Long ago, in the age before the Common Era, was the birth of the great regions of the western continent, all shared by many of races and beings.
Through the orders of the lands lay three kins to rule each region and race. They were the elves, immortal and wise beyond time. The dwarfs, strong and hardworking, the masters of crafting treasures and weapons. And the ones of that which would be left to protect the legends and tales of old, were mortal men.
And while there are other races such as mages and gnomes, there were also demons and dragons, while less are kind and most are fierce, they strain away from those who desire peace and brotherhood of one another.
FADE THROUGH…
The sight of a darkened figure, large in height…
*SEDRIC* But beyond the kingdoms of peace, were that of a darkness within the flames and fires of the northern mountains. From out of the fury mountains was born the evils of the western continent, that of goblorcs and giant trolls, who commanded and divided that of dragons and demons to fallow there doings. All lead by an evil force of unknown power. This evil birthed a dark lord to concur the lands and destroy those who are good and just. This dark lord was formed as Sarvon, the destroyer of worlds.
FADE…
Villages attacked, people scatter as huts are burnt and creatures of night attack…
*SEDRIC* And so it was, the free peoples and lands fell to the powers of evil.
FADE…
We see a figure of white, carrying armor upon him and a familiar blade of sorts…
*SEDRIC* But there was one, who would stand for injustice. One who would rise as hero, joining with the three races of the west to fight back against those who would destroy the worlds. Wielded with a sword among the legendary gods, this hero charged into the mountains of the north, with an alliance of men, elves, dwarfs and magins…
FLASH TO...
A GREAT BATTLE OF EPIC PERPORSTIONS!
*SEDRIC* And so the battle began, all fighting to the last man. Upon the now Chosen Warrior was the dark lord himself, ready to fight for their beliefs and desires. As their weapons collide, mountains crumbled and the world shook.
CUT TOO…
SEVERAL SCENES OF CHAOS AND DESTRUCTION AS THE EARTH IS FALLING FROM THE POWER OF THE BLADES….
FLASH FADE TOO…
*SEDRIC* But in the end, it was the chosen warrior who remained triumphant. He then banished the forces of darkness in the depths of the earth, never to seen in the world for hundreds of years and the realms of peace lay dormant.
But, during these late times, 50 years after the battle the throne of men have been corrupted. And a mysterious being has realmed the boarders of the northern mountains in the recent months. Fallowed and clouded by a force of demons and monsters, he has been known to manipulate those to fallow him, including those last remnants of the dark lord's army. Goblocs and trolls fallow him into the northern lands. He calls himself, The Deceiver, wearing nothing more than a white baboon's skin and blue skull.
Now the dark mountains rise again, armies of goblorcs are forming and demons fly though the smoke. I fear the dark lord has returned to reclaim his destruction upon the land and bring the world once again into total darkness.
FADE THROUGH WHITE TOO…
The Camp. The fire has now dimmed and all look to the wizards words, all at a realization. Miroku speaks.
"This Deceiver you speak of, it MUST be Naraku." He says.
"It's no wonder we could not sense his presence in the past month." Sango suggest.
Eldor turns to Sedric, worry strikes his face. "Sedric, it could be possible that Naraku and Sarvon have formed an alliance between the demons and goblorcs." He says. "If that is what is has come to pass, the west is in grave danger."
The wizard in-hails the smoking pipe, settling his worry. "Which is why Lord Eldor, we have come to find you. Only you can defeat Sarvon. We must return to Crownsheild. Unite the free peoples of the west."
Eldor looks on in concern. "The races of the west will not be easily reasoned. " He says.
"Wow." Kagome speaks excited. "I had no idea that Elves existed in the Warring States Era."
"Not of here, Priestess." Thandeer replies. "The Elves have not touched the eastern lands for thousands of years. It seems here, our race have passed into legend."
"That is true Kagome." Miroku turns to her. "My father had told me of the elves. He mostly touched upon the eleven maids that we're quite the beauties, far beyond the fairness of the many I've come across."
Miroku turns to see Sango, here face looks on him with a fiery grip. "You're looking at one of those maidens you've come across!" She hisses.
While Sango takes her rage on Miroku, InuYasha only listens from his own area, meditating with his sword sheathed, on the past, present and fear of the future. Out of nowhere, Shippo wonders beside him.
"Why aren't you with the group InuYasha?" The little fox demon asks. "Don't tell me you haven't been listening to what's going on? Your brain must be broken from that fall you took."
POW! The half demon strikes the little fox on the head, a growing lump forms on his top. Shippo vents out on InuYasha. "What was that for!?"
InuYasha seems impatient. He raises his fist at Shippo. "Keep up your crap and I'll make sure the brain damage is permanent!" He growls.
Shippo quiets down. He sits beside the only man who took him in, not only as a friend, but an almost big brother.
"I'm sorry Shippo." InuYasha sighs. Shippo turns in shock. InuYasha rarely if never apologizes for his outbursts. He seems darkened, almost in a gloomy state. "I've just been in a bad mood for the past month."
"Yeah no kidding." Shippo replies.
"I'm under allot of pressure." InuYasha continues "With Naraku back, these guys, Eldor and everyone else. But more importantly, I've felt detached from Kagome. I feel like we don't even talk anymore since Eldor showed up."
"You don't think Eldor's trying to move on Kagome, do you?"
"No Shippo. He's too loyal to do that. I can see it in his face. He's going through what I had been with Kikyo. He's feeling like a failure and wanting to redeem himself for it. I can honestly say I feel for the guy, given our pasts are somewhat similar. I'm not saying I like him, hell I still don't trust him, but I do get how he feels. Does that make any sense?"
"Yeah, I guess so."
Then, InuYasha turns to Shippo, almost smiling.
"Hey Shippo. Can I let you in on something without you louding out about it?" He asks.
Shippo seems confused. "Huh? Yeah sure , InuYasha." He replies. Then InuYasha looks at him sternly.
"I mean it Shippo! If you tell anyone this, I'll beat the fox outta you!" InuYasha suddenly barks.
Shippo cowers. "Okay. Okay, InuYasha. I swear, I won't say anything!"
As he cowers, the half demon looks up into the nightly moon.
"I'm going to ask Kagome something important. Something I've wanted to ask her for a long time. I just don't know when to do so."
"Why don't you just let her know tonight when we're all asleep?" Shippo replies with crossed arms. "If you need to get stuff off your chest with her, don't keep it in. Express yourself. It will make you feel allot better."
The half demon smiles. "Thanks Shippo. You may be a pain in the ass, but you're a great pal." He says as he returns to join the group.
Back at camp, the group is in great discussion.
"I will speak with the Elf King of Elviria. The alliance with men is still trusted with my people." Thrandeer says to Eldor. "However the dwarf clans will be a problem."
"For once my elf friend, you are right." Gamlink speaks. "My father has wells to stand for the likes of the elves, let alone one of them."
"Either way, if the dark armies of the North are reforming, we still will not have enough warriors to defend the realms." Eldor replies worried.
Suddenly, Sango stands, her Hiraikotsu by her side. "We'll go with you." She says determined. "If it's the demons you are worried about, remember, I'm a formidable demon slayer."
"I too shall go." Miroku also stands. "The ground forces will be easy to take out with my wind tunnel returned to me. You have our services Eldor."
The warrior smiles. "Thank you friends. Your honor is great. But I feel for your children at home. Mothers and fathers in the western realms don't usually return from battle, if at all."
"We'll mange, some way or another." Sango replies with pride.
Then Kagome stands. "I'm going too."
"Absolutely not!" Eldor turns to her strictly. "I won't let you risk your life for my sake anymore, Kagome. I won't allow it!"
"It doesn't matter if you allow it or not!" InuYasha walks in, looking very determined. "What matters is Naraku is still out there, and I'm not gonna rest until that son of a bitch is dead. I'm going, but only to kill him, and Kagome is going with me. She's safer with me than she is here."
Kagome smiles at her love. Then Shippo pops in. "We're all going!"
Eldor looks on those who back him in every way.
"I can't thank you enough my friends." The warrior speaks softly.
"We're with ya laddie." Gamlink says patting Eldor on the back. Eldor smiles at what these fellow comrades, who he had tried to kill in the past, now see him as friends. He smiles, now seeing a glimmer of hope for what lies ahead.
CUT TOO…
As the moon shines from the west, the fire from the camp has dimmed. All of the group is gathered. While the half demon, the monk and the demon slayer are mediated, Kagome lies in her sleeping bag that she had left in the feudal era years after she had fist left. A grown woman now of 19. While it appears that she is asleep, she lays awake, facing away from the group, in deep thought of what has happened and what is to come.
As Sedric and the dwarf smoke there pipes, Thrandeer unveils, hidden from sight within his arrow quiver, a small elven instrument, like that of a harp.
The dwarf then begins to hum a calming tune, which of the past dwarfs of his kin had carried to him for generations. The elf then plays with grace, giving a trace to the dwarfs tune.
As they play, the demon and others eyes remain shut, but can hear this tune that is being performed before them.
Eldor is the last to enter, as he then begins to sing. This tune is song, which has been passed down from all in the western part of the world. The song is predictions of things that were, are and have not yet been told.
Far away in Northern's deep, lies a heavy storm,
Darkness spreads far to the east, till all hope is mourn.
High in the trees, where lands of peace,
Fire and air rise with dread, till all life at once was dead
Roses will heal and mend,
Till the fire rises high, to the lands and seas,
Until the rain falls down with ease,
Giving all those who are at an end.
Far over in Western lands, lies gathering storms.
Only those who can defend will protect the kingdom dorms.
The song gives a sense of peace to those around Eldor and the forest around them. The animals that live in every tree and bush are asleep, as they wave the kindly voice of the warrior. A sense of hope for that of which is to come…